Bollywood pays tribute to director Lekh Tandon

Veteran filmmaker Lekh Tandon, who directed iconic movies like Professor, Amrapali and Prince, passed away on Sunday at his residence in Powai, a western Mumbai suburb. He was 88. 

Tandon was born in Lahore. He worked with Shammi Kapoor in Professor (1962) and Prince (1969).

His film Amrapali (1966), starring Sunil Dutt and Vyjayanthimala, was India's entry in the best foreign language category at the 39th Academy Awards.

He bagged the Filmfare Best Screenplay award for his movie Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaye, along with co-writers Vrajendra Gaur and Madhusudan Kalekar in 1978.

He has also worked with stars like Rajender Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Hema Malini, Shabana Azmi, Rekha and Rajesh Khanna.

He discovered Shah Rukh Khan when he directed his first television serial, Dil Dariya (1988).

• 'Shah Rukh has helped all those people who helped him at the beginning of his career'

Lekh Tandon has also acted in films like Swades, Rang De Basanti, Paheli and Halla Bol. He was last seen in Chennai Express.

His funeral will be held today.

Bollywood celebs posted their condolences on social media.

Ashutosh Gowariker: 'Very VERSATILE Director who gave several HITS! Was privileged to work with u in Swades! Will always miss ur gentleness Sir! RIP.'

Shekhar Kapur: 'goodbye #LekhTandon Extraordinary film maker/story teller of his times. Never ever refused an actor at his doorstep some warmth advice n tea'

Anupam Kher‏: 'Deeply saddened by the news of #LekhTandon ji’s demise. One of d first directors I met as a struggling actor. He was compassionate & kind.'

Lata Mangeshkar: 'Abhineta aur film nirdeshak Lekh Tandon ji ka aaj swargwas hua.Ye sunke mujhe bahut dukh hua.Meri unko vinamra shraddhanjali.'

Ashoke Pandit: 'Sad to know about the demise of one of the finest TV and film directors Lekh Tandon ji. Your work is immoral. Will miss U. #RIP.'

Shabana Azmi: 'Sad dat #LekhTandon passed away but wonderful dat he did so with his boots on.He was working on his latest film with a newcomers zeal . RIP. I was lucky to do 2 beautiful films with #Lekh Tandon - Ek Baar Kaho and Doosri Dulhan a filmabout surrogacy way ahead of its time. Respect.'